April 29, 2026

ST. JOHN’S, NL — Queen’s College, a Christ-centred Anglican theological college founded in 1841 in Newfoundland and Labrador, is an inclusive community dedicated to theological learning, ordination training, spiritual formation, and sending forth disciples to transform society through God’s love.

As the Rev. Dr. Joanne Mercer retires as Provost in June 2026, the Corporation of Queen’s College and the three Anglican dioceses of Newfoundland and Labrador will launch a comprehensive strategic planning process. This initiative will clarify the College’s vision, strategic directions, and pathway to long-term sustainability over the next five to ten years.

The process will include broad consultation with students, faculty, staff, the three dioceses, partner denominations, other faith traditions, and Memorial University. To ensure strong continuity and stability during this important transition, the Corporation has decided:

Appointment of Interim Administrator: An Interim Administrator will be appointed upon Dr. Mercer’s retirement. The Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Robert Cooke as Interim Administrator, effective 1 July 2026, for a two-year term. Dr. Cooke is a longtime member of the Queen’s College community, currently serving as Lecturer and Dean of Theology.

Strategic Planning Leadership: A skilled resource person, supported by a small advisory group, will lead the strategic planning process. This will include a review of other theological colleges and wide stakeholder consultations, with recommendations delivered to the Corporation by late Spring 2027.

Provost Recruitment: Subject to the findings of the strategic process, the recruitment for a new Provost will begin in early 2028, with an anticipated appointment by June 2028.

Operational Continuity: All current academic programs, student services, admissions, and daily operations will continue without interruption throughout the transition period.

Regular updates will be provided to the Queen’s College community as the process unfolds. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the consultation process; details on how to contribute will be shared in the near future.

Rooted in its rich 185-year tradition and open to diverse expressions of faith, Queen’s College looks forward with excitement to a renewed and sustainable vision committed to forming leaders and building a more just and peaceful world.

For more information about Queen’s College, please contact:

Queen’s College https://queenscollegenl.ca/contact-us/

Phone: (709) 753-0116

www.queenscollegenl.ca

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The post St. Peter’s, Upper Gullies, Celebrates The Resurrection with Breakfast appeared first on Anglican Life.

However, this year, all parishes in our community—and indeed most of Eastern Newfoundland—suffered an interruption to this special worship. Due to a severe winter snowstorm on February 18th, the ceremony had to be rescheduled. A similar weather event on Sunday, February 22nd, necessitated a second cancellation. Fortunately, thanks to modern technology, Canon Jotie was able to livestream the sermon from his home.

During the forty days of Lent, Canon Jotie delivered an appropriate lesson each Wednesday and Sunday leading up to Easter Day on April 5th. Each delivery was focussed on the Light of the World, while at the same time recognizing the brokenness and God’s grace and mercy in prayerful healing and restoration.

On Tuesday, March 31st, our ACW ladies assembled and held a 7:00 pm service, which was arranged by president Betty Hiscock in compliance with our regular Lenten celebrations.

The Good Friday service on April 3rd, was focused on the Stations of the Cross. The line of parishioners, led by Canon Jodie, marched, then stopped to acknowledge each station, and read an applicable scriptural passage for each one. It was a special time for those who witnessed and participated in this rich tradition.

With snow in the air and flurries on the ground, we gathered at 7:00 am on Easter Sunday to welcome the morning with the Service of Light, New Fire, and Holy Eucharist, followed by the traditional Easter breakfast downstairs.

Then at 10:30 am, all the parishioners who were present, engaged in the Renewal of Baptismal Vows and Holy Eucharist.

It was a rewarding finale to the forty days of Lent, and the birth of another Easter Day.

Then God said, Let there be Light.
And there was Light.
– Genesis 1:3

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On average, 60 people are served weekly by 20 volunteers from across the city’s churches. In the summer months, the congregations from the churches in Pasadena and the Bay of Islands provide respite as they serve a takeout meal of sandwiches or a BBQ.

We strive to provide a nutritious meal served with respect and dignity, as well as a welcoming space to congregate for those who are hungry, lonely, or simply wish to gather around the table with familiar faces. The need continues to grow, but so too does the response of those who provide the food, come to serve, or donate monetarily to allow this valuable ministry to thrive during difficult times.

“we serve until all are fed”.

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When inserted on the tabletop of the altar, known as the “mensa,” it gives continuity from the Church of the past to the Church of the present and the future. Often, the relics used in these stones are that of a martyr, someone who died for their faith. This is done to hold true to the belief that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. This symbolized the martyr’s tomb, where the early Church celebrated the Eucharist. This was specially the case before Christianity became a publicly recognized religion by the emperor Constentine in 381. Underneath the stone is normally held the documentation concerning the consecration of the altar itself.

The first Good Friday that I went to Howley was 2022. When I approached the altar, to my surprise, there was an altar stone! People would not normally know that it is there because every day, with the exception of during the Easter Tridium when the altar is stripped, the altar stone is not visible to the worshipping community. This year (2026), going to Howley for the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, before the arrival of the worshipping community, I took this photo of the altar stone, so that I could share it with you.

If anyone knows any of the history behind the current altar in the Church of the Ascension in Howley, I would certainly love to find out the story behind this beautiful piece of our faith.

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Reports were made on some groups who meet weekly for fellowship, a meal, and to take part in various service projects. The discussion was inspiring, and while the group hopes to attract younger men into their midst, they are pleased to report that some good things are happening. The Association’s objective is to promote fellowship among men throughout all parishes, and they would be pleased visit or discuss the idea in greater detail with anyone interested.

On this occasion, the men took part in a meeting followed by a soup and sandwich lunch. Brian O’Connell, the well known radio personality, came and gave a very informative talk on his experience with prostate cancer, and the importance of early detection. The day ended with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The Association is planning another event in October. For further information contact DAMA President Gerry Budden at 709-744-1991, or email:
buddengerald431@gmail.com

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Nearly 100 people came to St. Peter’s Church in Upper Gullies on April 8th to hear a special talk by Ann Marie Hagen on the Topic: “The Healing Power of Forgiveness.”

Ann Marie was witness to the murder of her father in Kingman’s Cove on the Southern Shore, by a neighbour who was experiencing a Schizophrenic episode, in 1979. The neighbour was committed to the Waterford Hospital in St. John’s, received effective drug treatment, and was eventually released into community housing in 1996. At that time, she met and forgave him, and pledged to be an advocate for him. He passed away in 2016.

Ann Marie’s story was retold on an episode of CBC’s “Land and Sea.”

Her message is very profound, and it speaks loudly to the healing power of forgiveness: how she was able to turn hate into acceptance and forgiveness.

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